How patience and hard work paid off for amateur golfer of the year Karanga

Sport

How patience and hard work paid off for amateur golfer of the year Karanga

Golfer of the year Michael Karanga displays his trophies after the finals of the Nyali Open Championship that ended at Nyali golf and Country club course in Mombasa county on Sunday. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Kiambu’s Michael Karanga was crowned this year’s Golfer of the year in player ranking after emerging top in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series that ended with the Nyali Open Championship.

The golfer who attributed the success to hard and patience earned a total of 834.5 points to claim the top spot from playing 18 legs out of the 28 that was played this year from January and supported by NCBA.

“It has been tough playing the series but my love for the sport and great support from my family and friends was able to make it through.

“There have also been strong challenges from my rival colleagues who put up a spirited fight all along but through my skills, I was able to beat them and will defend the title next year,” said Karanga who also qualified to play in next year’s Magical Kenya Open.

John Lejirma who won the Nyali open on a round total of 212 gross ahead of runners up Karanga stands second with a total of 670 points after playing 24 legs of the series and Kiambu’s youthful golfer Elvis Muigua is third on 449.3points from 22 legs.

Nyali’s Adel Balala on 272 points from 7 legs and Golf park’s Joseph Rono who earned 245.3 points after playing 23 legs of the series were placed fourth and fifth respectively.

In the KAGC club ranking, Golf park golf club took the lead with 823.8 points followed by Kiambu as runners up after collecting a total 518.8 points.

Vetlab sports club was third on 365.8 points while Nyali golf and Country club with 363.6 points and Muthaiga’ 362.2 points placed them fourth and fifth respectively.

This is a Kenya Golf Union (KGU) organized 28 series and the Union’s Chairman David Ndung’u assured golfers that it will be increased to 31 legs next year in their calendar of events.

The Chairman said that the Nyali open Championships that ended on Sunday marked the culmination of a spectacular year in amateur golf, a year that has taken the Union across the breadth of this beautiful country through 28 thrilling tournaments.

“Allow me to extend our sincere appreciation to the Nyali Golf & Country Club team, led so admirably by the Golf Captain. Over the past three days, you have demonstrated what makes Nyali such a cherished destination for golfers. Your exceptional hospitality, meticulous attention to the golf course, and the warmth with which you have welcomed players and guests alike have truly elevated this finale to extraordinary heights. Thank you for setting such high standards and for ensuring that all of us—players and spectators have had an unforgettable experience, “said Ndung’u.

He took the opportunity to recognize and thank the host clubs across the country that have been part of the KAGC series this year adding that each of the 28 tournaments held in various regions represented the unwavering commitment of these clubs to nurturing amateur golf in Kenya.

“It is through your collective efforts that we have been able to create a platform that challenges and inspires players while showcasing the diverse beauty of golf courses across the country. To our players, you are the true stars of this series. Whether you were competing for glory or gaining experience on these prestigious stages, your dedication to the game is what drives this championship forward. Your participation has made every tournament come alive, bringing out the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. I want to emphasize how crucial you are to the ecosystem of golf. Without your talent, energy, and passion, none of this would be possible, “said Ndung’u.

The Chairman also took a moment to acknowledge the efforts of the rules officials, golf administrators, and the KGU secretariat saying that their hard work and dedication often go unseen by many, but they are critical to the smooth running of this series.

“To our media partners, your role in amplifying the reach of this series cannot be overstated. Through your coverage, you have brought golf closer to the public, inspiring more people to take an interest in the sport. Your storytelling has highlighted the highs, lows, and memorable moments of the championship, ensuring that every event leaves a lasting impact. Thank you for walking this journey with us and for helping us celebrate the beauty and spirit of golf, “noted Ndung’u.

He encouraged everyone here to take time during the upcoming festive season to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for what promises to be an even more exciting year ahead and said the 2025 series will have an impressive lineup of 31 events across the country.

TOP TEN KAGC PLAYER RANKING 2024

1-Michael Karanga-Kiambu-834.5 points.

2-John Lejirma-Kenya Railway-670.0 points.

3-Elvis Muigua-Kiambu-449.3 points

4-Adel Taufiq-Nyali-272.0 points.

5-Josphat Rono-Golf Park-245.3 points.

6-John Kamais-Nakuru-232.0 points.

7-FelixDusabe-Kigali-202.5 points.

8-Sammy Mulama-Golf Park-198.4 points.

9-William Odek-Nyali-194.4 points.

10-Michael Alunga-Uganda-182.7 points.

KAGC CLUB TROPHY RANKING 2024